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Thursday, June 11, 2009

'Neil Young Archives, Volume 1: 1963-1972', released on June 2, has already sold out of its initial shipment, to the surprise of Warner Music, according to Young's producer Larry Johnson. As the reasons for that success, Johnson cited the ongoing addition of content via BD-Live and the BD listener parties held at retailers.

“About 40 people I know had a party at a Best Buy watching Blu-rays,” noted Johnson. “Stores can do that across the country.”

Johnson believes that people are really attracted to the set's automatic notice of new available downloads each time the BD Live-enhanced discs are played. “This keeps it fresh for Neil, but it drives me crazy,” said Johnson, who is managing delivering updates to fans. “He keeps giving and giving.” Johnson said to next look out for access to a download of concert footage from a past Hollywood Bowl performance.

Here's today's daily open thread on the Neil Young Archives where you can post thoughts and questions.

Archives Guy seems to be checking in on occasion as time permits. But if you know the answer to folks' questions, please try and help out, to free up AG to focus on newer issues.

Again, feel free to post here your concerns and questions. But also try and resolve through your distributor. If you ordered from WB site, call 866-430-6230.

Another source of good answers to questions is good old fashioned search. There is a search box on right about midway down. If you include "Archives Guy" (with qoute marks) and your question, it might just come up.

ps - As we mentioned recently, we're dealing with some heavy traffic here @ TW so apologies for slow loads. With the Europe tour and Archives, we have record levels of traffic from around the globe. Quite exciting if you're a data geek, you can watch TW traffic in real time (and always in right bottom sidebar.)

pss - We've just established reciprocal agreements with Amazon Canada and Amazon UK. If you're still looking to order NYA (or anything by Neil) via Amazon, please consider using links on right. Thanks! You'll be helping to support Thrasher's Wheat and keep the servers cool now that hell has frozen over.)

71 Comments:

Since I'm now officially obsessed with the Archives, here's my thought of the moment: both John Nowland and Tim Mulligan deserve Grammys in audio engineering for their work on this set. Hell, give a posthumous Grammy to Briggs while you're at it, and throw Mazer a Grammy too. I have worked in professional audio my whole life, and have never heard a consumer release of rock/pop/folk music that sounded as good as this. Un-frickin-believable. I (heart) THE ARCHIVES!

After two days with the blu ray set I would like to reiterate how impressed I am with the whole package. The presentation is a benchmark for anthologies and overviews of an artists career. More importantly with BD live the possibility of updates and additions adds a possibility of the set growing over the years.Well done to all concerned.I'm convinced like the wardrobe in Narnia there are hidden dimensions to the box. Who'll be the first to slice the package open?

"Immersed in the second volume, which is expected in two or three years, Young also has mapped out the third and fourth and continues to mine sources for buried nuggets. He was dismayed to discover the BBC had destroyed several early Young performances. But his search for rare Buffalo Springfield concert footage turned up a Hollywood Bowl show, and a hi-res version of Mr. Soul soon will be available as a Blu-ray download."

So is archives guy Larry Johnson? I'd think he'd be on tour now, no? But yes, yes, what an achievement this set is! I can't say enough what a job well done. To those still waiting, please don't loose heart, this package IS worth the wait, unbearable as it may seem! Mine came June 1st and by then I was already impatient! Take it from us, once you have it you'll understand! So whatever happened to all the haters? It seems they couldn't take it anymore and bought the set...and they've been silenced by the archives...speechless in fact! lol I love this set! Hope vol.2 is not YEARS AND YEARS away! Don't release any teasers from two...let the entire box be new to everyone!Thanks fellas!

Didn't say I believed it and I didn't ask anyone else to believe it. The quote attributed to LA Johnson at the top of this thread mentions an upcoming BD download of Hollywood Bowl concert footage. I was simply passing on info available in another source.

AG, I know you can't or wont talk about future Archives releases, which we understand given the nature of your boss, the industry and the fans but can you say if there are prototypes of all 4-5 boxes? or was all the focus on the first ten years so far?

Didn't realize the archives were going to be so limited (in terms of print run). I decided to wait til payday to get it, but now its sold out everywhere. Any ideas when Blu-ray stocks will be replenished in the UK? The big retailers (Amazon, Play) dont know when they will have any back in stock. HELP!!!!!

I just viewed/listened to BS years last night.See that Dr. John "The Night Tripper" plays piano on Down To the Wire (one of my many favs songs).And you can really hear him on here.Alot better than you could hear him on Decade that is.Man enough good things just can't be said about this achievment Neil and his crew have pulled off.Cheers.NYA and Blu-ray all the way baby!!I do wish some pics of David Briggs were in there though.Haven't gotten through the whole thing yet.Maybe there are.Once again.Bravo Neil and Archives team.BRAVISIMO!!

- Studio stuff I'm already salivating over for BD-Live downloads, based on the song log in the book:+ "Winterlong" and "Look At All the Things" with Crazy Horse in October 1969. (Love every "Winterlong" I've heard, but those Neil-Danny harmonies were something special.)+ "Dance Dance Dance" with the Stray Gators in February 1971. (We've already got three versions of "Wondering" and "Birds," so why not?)+ "The Bridge," London, February 1971. (Say no more.)

Can anyone comment on the viability of playing blue ray on a Mac? If the Mac software is not compatable, how difficult would it be to run windows via bootcamp? In other words, would that require extra hardware and/or software assuming I have bootcamp and windows already installed? Thank You!

My god, I'm getting jealous. Gotta get my hands on a PS3 and set 1 (once the second shipment happens, of course).

It's starting to occur to me just how revolutionary this new way of getting music from an artist is.

The artist updates you at will, through the internet. How beautiful. Endless content, just streamin' on down to people at the whim of Mr. Young.

Genius, pure genius. This is not only going to revolutionize the music industry, in terms of distribution, digital format, etc. etc., but it's going to rebalance the 3-way power-struggle between artists, record labels, and fans, that has exploded over the past 15 years of internet downloads, piracy, etc.

Looking for help. I ordered the DVD set through Neil's website for a total of $224.98, with a shipping charge included of $24.99. Delivery on my receipt is listed as "standard."

Today I arrive home to find a card in my door from UPS stating that I owe them $82.99 C.O.D. when they deliver the set. I knew absolutely nothing about this charge and wasn't even aware UPS would be delivering the set.

I've called the Archives number above but they were useless and told me I need to call someone else at Warner Bros., but they couldn't give me a number. Does anyone else know a different number at Warner Bros I can call? I've e-mailed them, but not sure when I'll get a response.

In the meantime, UPS will deliver the box set tomorrow and expect $82.99 that I don't think I should have to pay them.

Archives Guy,I do not own a Television set and don't intend to purchase one. Nonetheless, I have purchased a NYA BD set and am currently living off the mp3 version ... Is it reasonable to assume that Mac hardware and software (or bootcamp / windows) will become BD compatible within the next couple years? Thanks!DS

I'm assuming you live outside the US? I'm in Canada, and anytime I've had things delivered from there to here via UPS, they have tacked on an additional 'handling' fee or whatever they call it. I never use them anymore, because USPS and Canada Post do such a better job (and I don't have to be home to accept the delivery).

My suggestion would be (depending on where you live):

-Refuse the package and have WB refund your purchase.

-Order it through Amazon.ca (or your country's affiliate Amazon or closest thereof) and wait a little while longer

It is probably more convienient for WB to ship these order UPS, but like I said, unless you are a business and in the US, it is more hassle for the customer.

I agree, any courier in Canada charges duty and brokerage fees that really make the purchase seem less worthwhile.

If you order from Amazon.ca and you live in Canada, the simple "free super saver" shipping is just as fast if not faster than courier service. They say 6-7 days but whenever I order I get my parcel in 3-4.

Plus the shipping is free and all the prices are in Canadian dollars. I ended up paying a total of $331 (after GST)

Weirdly enough, after ordering from neilyoung.com, I was expecting massive customs charges when my package finally arrived in Toronto. Other items I have ordered (all under $100) could have anywhere from $6-$35 additional tacked on, so for a $300 Blu-Ray NYA Archive set, I was expecting somewhere in the $80 range you got hammered with.

Then a funny thing happened. The guy delivered it to my door, and simply asked for a signature. No COD. I was shocked, but quite pleasantly surprised. Don't know where this is going, but I sure love me some Archives.

As long as the topic of 'unsung heroes' comes up, will should celebrate the contributions of Joel Bernstein. Amazing collection of stuff, most mere mortals would toss. Thankfully, it's there. And then some!

I'm taking it slowly, only up to Topanga 2.

Do I remember correctly that the preview disc (which I currently can't play) allow me to access all BD d/l content or is that the daydream of this dvd set owner?

can you or anyone else on here recomend a receiver that will support the 24/192 sound quality. im not an audio expert but it seems like the receivers that support 24/192 are well above the $1000 range. That being said im loving volume 1 through mp3s right now only because i have yet to buy a blu ray player.

Archives Guy, When "Live From Massey Hall" came out two years ago a few of us came to the conclusion that the film footage on the DVD of the performance was actually from the performance from Stratford, Conn. at the Shakespeare Theater either a week earlier or a week later. I am not going to review all the evidence that was posted here at that time but has anyone on Neil's end ever finally admitted that it is not the actual Massey Hall performance? Whoever edited the film to correspond to the audio has to know that the two don't jive. Not accusing anyone of trickery here but is Neil aware of this?

Anyone out there find the hidden track of "Whiskey Boot Hill" on disc three? It is listed on the disc cover but I can't find it.

People, get over the Massey Hall footage...really, who cares! Even if it is from Stratford, Connecticut, so what? (It may not be!) At least Neil and team have strived to bring us a document of that exceptional show. So of these reel to reels may not be of the actual songs you hear...are you gonna call them out on that too? GET OVER IT! Just Enjoy and stop looking for controversy!The Archives RULES!

It appears the CD edition of NYA1 is out of stock on Amazon.com, but not the DVD or blu-ray versions. I thought some people might like to know that since there's been some discussion of NYA1 being out of stock of late.

MAAAANNNNN, just listened to Down By The River and Cowgirl full blast...just amazing. Danny's guitar and all the vocals sound so great....I'm a huge vinyl guy anyway...but I must say that CD's just never did EKTIN justice. NYA VOL.1 All the way!

Go into the file for the first version of Everybody Knows this is Nowhere (track 1) on Disc 2. On the RIGHT side of the screen, there is difficult-to-describe object, chiefly distinguished by a white feather attached to the end of it, clipped on the virtual "portfolio." User the arrow buttons on your DVD remote to highlight and click enter...

I once bought a Fender Stratocaster at an awesome price, but by the time the customs fees were added, I would have been as well buying a brand new one :-(

Thanks again for everything by the way, Thrasher and AG!

And by the way AG, if you see Neil, please thank him for his setlists as of late. My dad's 2 favourite songs are Don't Let It Bring You Down and Comes a Time, and he can't believe Neil is playing both of these at the moment. I just hope that he still plays them in 2 weeks at Aberdeen, especially Comes A Time!!

Don't 'cha think it's the right time for The Sultan to be brought back as the final encore? hehe...

CURLY TOPS says..everyone i know in austrlia had their ARCHIVES before the 2nd of june if they ordered it through the better indie stores..so to everyone who has had trouble receiving this...its because you ordered off the crap internet sites..all the better small cool indie stores had this on time.(australian shops in melbourne had this on the friday before it was even released..so im sure other GOOD stores around the world did to..warners are notoriously useless with mail order,i gave up on them a couple of years ago).maybe if you supportered your indie store and went to them they would of ordered it of proper wholesalers and had it by june 2nd..i know the best shops had this weeks ago,,you can beat good indie stores...remeber this for volume 2...

Anonymous - I did warn you guys that you would pay £50-60 for customs charges - I feel a bit sorry for all you guys getting your notes in to this effect soon. This is why I never order direct from Amazon - better to order off ebay and ask seller to mark customs form as gift and £30.

I got mine yesterday from HMV in Bristol at Cribbs - they still have 2 copies left £199.99 - checked all discs and content - perfect!! PS3 is being delivered tomorrow so will check it out then!

In the meantime thanks NY and thanks Archives Guy - its here and it looks like all you promised! NOW when is volume 2 coming.....

"I have been sent a letter by Parcelforce in The UK telling me that they wont deliver until I pay £53.oo in import duty and shipping charges.

This is a complete disgrace"

Disgrace in what sense, and who do you think is to blame? You can try and overturn the charges if you think it's worth the energy and time it'll cost you. And you'll probably fail anyway.

But in general, you need to know that when you order from abroad, you can be liable to extras like this. It's the responsibility of the buyer to cover these charges, not the seller to warn you of what they might be. I'm not without sympathy, because I've paid charges like this myself on more than one occasion. But that's what can happen when you buy internationally.

To UK readers worrying about Import Tax read this from Amazon.com's site:-"Each item in your order is sold by Amazon Export Sales, Inc. ("Amazon Export") or the merchant that the item is specified as sold by ("Merchant"). Those items for shipment to countries outside of the U.S. may be subject to taxes, customs duties and fees levied by the destination country ("Import Fees"). The recipient of the shipment is the importer of record in the destination country and is responsible for all Import Fees.

With respect to each item for which Import Fees have been calculated, you authorize Amazon Export or Merchant (as applicable) to designate a carrier ("Designated Carrier") to act as your agent with the relevant customs and tax authorities in the destination country, to clear your merchandise, process and remit your actual Import Fees for such item.

"Import Fees Deposit" represents an estimate of the Import Fees that will be levied on the items in your order for shipment to countries outside of the US. By placing your order, you agree to allow Amazon Export and/or Merchant (as applicable) to collect the Import Fees Deposit for the applicable items in your order. This deposit will be used, on your behalf, to reimburse the Designated Carriers for the import fees that they have paid on your behalf to the appropriate authorities of the destination country.

You further agree that the Designated Carriers may disclose to Amazon Export or Merchant (as applicable) the amount of actual Import Fees levied on the item you have purchased from Amazon Export and/or Merchant ("Actual Import Fees"). In the event that the Import Fees Deposit exceeds the Actual Import Fees, Amazon Export or Merchant (as applicable) will refund the difference to you"

Total cost including priority shipping and import tax is $372.51.At todays exchange rate (approx 1.75)this translates at roughly £210 to £215 and there should be no extra charges. Still cheaper that RRP.

Regarding downloads if you own one bluray disc (the preview disc) you can get every download available as long as you have a blu ray player with internet connection.....and at any time. So, say in six months you get a blu ray player, you pop in the preview disc and you'd be able to download everything then...and you'd only need the one disc as each blu ray has the entire time line. Even if you waited for Vol2 to get blu ray, you can get all the past downloads as well. At least thats what I believe AG said when I asked. So yeah, good deal!

Just a heads up for anyone in London wanting a blu ray set... I managed to track a copy down in Sister Ray on Berwick Street yesterday. Support your indie record stores! I had intended to wait a while to purchase the set but, having read through comments about stores being sold out (and tried and failed to buy a set in HMV Oxford Street), I thought I'd better bag one. So glad I did too...

Absolute respect to all those involved in putting this together. So glad I went blu ray - it's what the ps3 was built for. Worked though the 1st 3 discs last night and loving the idea of future downloads. Keep up the fantastic work!

Anon trying to find the hidden goodies...look for white pins on the timelines for each individual disc. Also, poke around on the files in the "Song Selection" mode...to paraphrase Graham Nash, "be sure to [click] the roaches!"

"Hi thereAnyone in the uk got their blu rays from WB yet?Come on mr customs man release the archives now!"

YES!!! Came yesterday with a £50 customs charge...

first impressions.. look great, look a bit closer.. having problems with 4 of the discs, the buffalo springfield disc is mis-shaped, and wont read at all!!

binding on book is shit, one side has already come away!! its only been 1 day!!£230 plus and extra £50 to get it through customs, £300 for a PS3!! its an expensive hobby following neil!! oh well at least the PS3 works, even if neil quality control doesnt!!

Hey Archives Guy what do people in the uk do with faulty discs and book that ordered them from Warners?

I agree it's best to forget about the Massey Hall business at this point. I'd also like to point out that, if you watch the Archives Meeting, 2/18/97, on the DVD, no secret is made of use of Royce Hall material: stills that, if you compare to the performance footage obviously come from the same show, are displayed as Neil and Joel Bernstein discuss their being from Royce Hall, shortly before the Massey Hall performance. Bernstein even indicates to Neil that the Royce Hall materials could be used in conjunction with a Massey Hall release (this being ten years before the album was released) due to their being contemporaneous. So I don't think a particular effort was made at deception here.

All that said, let us move on to revel in the glory of NYA1, even as we await the coming of Volume 2, hopefully before *too* long.